Vox pop

Even today, Muslims in Gujarat remain politically marginalisedSagarika Ghose's analysis in her article Riders on the storm (Bloody Mary, Dec-ember 12) that the Muslim story in Gujarat is a poignant example of how sometimes good results from the terrible, how an apocalypse sometimes brings a rebirth is off the mark. First, violence cannot be a harbinger of peace. Second, though our country's vibrant democracy has ensured that the large Muslim community has a voice in politics; the fact remains that Muslims in Gujarat are still politically marginalised. It is time politicians stopped playing vote-bank politics and catering to vested interests. They are harming the social fabric of the country. Devendra Narain, via email

III don't agree with Ghose's views. There is still large-scale of Muslim alienation from the system after the riots. If that weren't true, then why has the Gujarat government not released any data highlighting the progress the Muslims have made in the state. Even the Sachar Committee has belied Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's claims that Muslims in Gujarat are in a much better condition than those in many other states.Ramesh Sinha, via email

Lobbying is illegal in IndiaWalmart's declaration to the US Senate that it spent about $25 million since 2008 on lobbying activities cannot be seen in isolation (From opaque to transparent, Our Take, December 12). Paying for lobbying is illegal in India and the laws of the US aren't applicable here.Mehandru, via email